Clutch and brake device



'April 2s, 1953 J. W. BIT LER CLUTCH AND BRAKE DEVICE 5 Sheet-s-Sheet l Filed oct. 2, 1948 mm .fwn mm e a 7m Nw dm M w] m,

""Asi-289'53" J. w. B11-LER 2,635,581

` CLUTCH AND BRAKE DEVICE Filed Oct, 2, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 ji-g. 4

I 94 so loo 9s los 7o |04 M |22 92 7 k |06 a4 l 88 68 /66 98 "0. |08 /NvENToR K JOHN W BITLER :a: yvama@ ATTORNE YS ApriI 28, 1953 J. w. BITLER 2,636,581

CLUTCH AND BRAKE DEVICE Filed oct. 2, 194s sheets-sheet 3 ATTORNE YS Patented Apr. 28, 1953 CLUTCH AND BRAKE-DEVICE John W. Bitler, Minster, Ohio, assignor to The corporation of Ohio Minster Machine Company, Minster, Ohio, a

Appiication october 2, 194s, seria1N0.52,434

(o1. isz- 18) 6 Claims. l

This invention is concerned with a control system, and especially one adapted for use in connection with friction clutches and the like associated with mechanical presses and similar devices, and with a method of operating such controlA system. c

In mechanical presses, such as punch presses, the customary work operation consists of a single cycle of operations during which the movable ram of the press advances toward and retracts from a stationary bed plate. Y

By means of die sets or other devices mounted on the said bed plate and ram, such presses may be operated in punching, drawing, and other forming operations. l

vThe majority of such work operations are so arranged that it is necessary for the operator of the press either to remove the formed workpiece, to introduce a workpiece to be formed, or both, by hand so that at least once during each working cycle the operator has his hands and arms in a position where serious injury would result if the press ram were to accidentally carry out a working stroke.

This invention is particularly concerned with a method and apparatus for preventing such accidental repeat operations of the work ram of such a Dress thereby to minimize the possibility of injuring the press operator.

Many times the dies kor other work members mounted on the press ram and bed plate are very expensive tools, and there is .a great possibility that `an accidental repeat operation of the press ram would cause these work members to come together with the workpiece only partially removed or partially in place therebetween, and thus cause extensive damage to the dies.

This invention is therefore concerned with an improved control system and method of operation thereof for such presses which substantially eliminates the possibility of damaging the work members mounted therein.

A further object of the instant invention is to provide a relatively simple control system for a pneumatically operated friction clutch on a mechanical press which includes safety interlocks, such that it is impossible to operate the press in a working cycle unless all parts of the control system are each operating in the proper manner.

.to pressure form, blank, punch,

a friction clutch and control system according to this invention;` A

Figure 2 is an enlarged vertical section taken through the' iiywheel and clutch mechanism therefor of the press;v Y

Figure Sis an enlarged vertical section indi cated by thefline 3 3 on Figure 2 and showing the arrangement of. the Ypneumatic control valves for the clutch;

Figure 4 'is a fragmentary View showing the upper valve member of the valve arrangement of Figure 3 shifted to its interposition to supply actuating press;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view showing a pair of operating cams and limit switches which form a partof the control system for the clutch;

pressure to the friction clutch of the Figure 6 is a diagrammatic layout of the elec` i tric operating circuit which controls the actuation of the pneumatic valves of Figure 3 and which includesk the switch arrangement shown in Figure 5; and j t Figure, 7 isla somewhat enlarged fragmentary View showing more in detail the construction of thecheck valve and operator therefor which con- Y trols the shifting of the main air valve.

Referring to the drawings, the press shown A in Figure 1 generally comprises a frame part I0 including a bed member I2, and also including upright side parts I4 onwhich is a reciprocable press ram I 6.

The press 'ram I6 is Yconnected with a crankshaft journaled in the upper part of the side i frameA members nIII by one or more connecting rods I 8, the upper ends of which engage crank pins offset from the line bearing axis of the crank shaft in the usual manner.

Mounted on the lower part of the ram i8 and the upper part 0f the bed plate I2 are work members, such as punch and die sets, or forming dies, as indicated at 20, and which are brought together by reciprocation of the press ram in order v or draw a workp1ece.

Turning to Figure 2, theV crank shaft of the press ismdicatedat 22 and it will be observed to extend--nghtwardly from the right hand side sudabiy grunted member I4 and to support a flywheel 24 on the anti-friction bearings 26.

The flywheel is normally freely rotatable on the bearings 2t and may be driven in rotation by any suitable power means, such as the V-belt arrangement shown at 28.

For selectively clutching the ilywheel y24 vto the crank shaft 22 in order `to cause the vsaid "crank shaft to rotate and thereby to drive the ram I6 in reciprccation, there is provided a friction clutch arrangement generally indicated at 30 in Figure 2. rlhis friction clutch arrangement is quite similar to that illustrated in the Reuben E. Wissman applications Serial Nos. 587,296, filed April 7, 1945, now Patent No. 2,472,452, issued June '7, 1949, and 4,390, filed January 26, 1948, new Patent No. 2,505,600, issued April 25, `1950.

vThe clutch arrangement includes a plurality `of clutch plates 32 which aresplined to the flywheel by means of the spline ring 315, and the intermediate clutch plate '3G which is Vslidably splined to a block 33 which is wedged on the taperedpart lll of the crank shaft 22.

It will be understood that the block 38 can be keyed or pinned to Vthe crank shaft, or that any other means could be provided for insuring a positive driving connection therebetween.

The clutch mechanism also includes a 'fixed plate 'c2 secured to the block 38 on one side of the aforementioned group of clutch plates and a movable plate te slidably splined to the block 3B on the other side of the said group of clutch plates.

Interposed between the several plates and being secured to alternate thereor` in any suitable manner, are the friction discs 4B which effect a driving connection between the plates when the plates are pressed together under pressure.

The plate 4d includes an annular cylinder 48 which receives the piston 50 which is stationary with the block 38.

It will be apparent that introduction of pressure into the cylinder 48 will cause the plate M to move rightwardly and to clamp the clutch plate block together and thus effect a driving connection from the flywheel 'through its splined connection with the plates 32, thence through the friction disc l to the plates 3'6, '42, M, and then through the block 38 to the crank shaft 22.

Spring means 52 are provided for releasing the pressure on the clutch plate block when the cylinder 48 is exhausted and this Vspring means 'acts between the plate 4d and another plate 5'4, between which is mounted the plate '56 that is held against rotation relative tothe press frame by the dowel pins 58.

As in ythe case of the clutch plate group this group of plates has interposed therebetween the friction material B so that when the spring means 52 becomes effective to move the plate 44 away from its 'clutching position, theplates ylill, 54, and 56 cooperate to bring the crank shaft to a halt `and to hold it stationary relative to the press frame.

For Aalternately supplying pressure to and exhausting the annular cylinder d3, there is an air passage E2 extending throughthe block 38 and the crank shaft 22 to the right hand end of the latter. At this point the said passage makes a connection through a rotary joint 64 with the flow passage St in a valve Ab'racke't'i.

Turning now to Figure 3, it will be noted that the valve bracket 68 mounts a pair of valves 'lll and 'l2 thereon which are connected in parallel. The valve bracket 68 has air .pressure supplied to the chamber llt thereof from the source of pressure at 16 by a conduit 18 and also has exhaust chamber which connects with the atmosphere by means of the conduit 22.

Fluid connection between the lpassage t5 leading to the cylinder 158 via the passage 52, and the pressure chamber lll and exhaust chamber 80 is controlled "by the valve member Sil valve 'lll and the valve member 8d in valve l2,

Each of these valve members is normally positioned by spring means 86 to interrupt communi- -c'ation between chamber 'M and passage 66 and to establish communication between passage G6 and exhaust chamber Sli. f

Each valve includes a passage as indicated at S8 leading from the pressure chamber /l around the periphery of the right hand portion of the valve member and into a pilot channel Q53. This pilot channel leads to the .left hand enlarged end of the valve member which is reciprocable in the operating chamber '92.

The :dow of pressure through the channels lill is controlled by the ball ch'ecl; valves dd which are adapted for operation into -ow establishing position by energization of Ithe solenoid Sl associated with the valve 'lll and the solenoid S2 associated with the valve l2.

The plungers 9i between the balls t4 and the plungers of the solenoids SI and S2 are spring urged away from the said balls by fsprings t3. The plungers are axially and transversely bored as at so that upon de-energizationlo'f the solenoids the plungers 9| move outwardly a-nd establish exhaust channels between operating chambers 92 and the atmosphere.

Each of the valves l0 and l2 has .a special fclosure block 93 mounted at the right hand side as viewed in Figure 3, and vin axial alignment with the reciprocable valve member thereof.

Each closure block is axially apertured for receiving a push rod 98 which is screw threadedly connected with the right hand end of a reciprocable valve member as indicated at |00.

The blocks 96 are threaded for adjustably receiving a second bloclr H32 which is also axially bored for receiving another push rod |04. The push rod ille carries at its outer, or right hand end, as viewed in Figure 3, a switch blade H36 which controls the contacts Hi8 so that when the rod vHill is in its left hand position the circuit is completed between the wires Il@ leading to the switch, and when the push rod moves away from its left. hand position the said circuit is interrupted.

It will be apparent that movement of either of the valve members 84 or 86 from its left hand position will open the corresponding switch contacts IUS. Similarly, the return of either of the said valve members to their left hand positions, will permit the springs H2 associated with the plungers 'Hill to close the said switches,

An illustration of the right hand position 0f the valve member 84 is shown in Figure 4, and in this view it will be noted that the contacts |08 associated therewith are held open.

For controlling the energization of the solenoids Si and S2 the control circuit illustrated in Figure 6 may be provided. In this ligure there are the power lines Ll and L2 and between which the said solenoids Sl and S2 are connected in parallel and through the normal open' blades CRIA of the contactor CRI and the normally closed push button stop switch H.

A second contactor CB2 has its operating solenoid connected .between line L2 and the side of the switch ||4 remote from line LI bya circuit*- including a selector switch ||6 and a line IIB which includes the operating hand or foot switch |20 and the two switches |22 and |24 which comprise the switch elements mounted on the ends of the valves lll and l2.

A holding circuit is provided for the operating solenoid of CR2 through the blades CR2A ofthe contactor and the normally closed limit switch LSI. This holding circuit bypasses the aforementioned switches |28, |22, and |24.

The contactor CB2 also includes a blade CR2B and which has one side connected between the switch |II5 and LSI and its other side connected with one of a pair of contacts |26 which are closed by the switch |20 when the latter is pressed to initiate a working cycle of the press.

The other of the contacts |26 is connected with one side of the operating coil of the contactor CRI and which in turn has its other side connected with the power line L2.

A holding circuit including ablade CRIB of the contactor CRI and the normally closed limit switch L82 connects the side of the solenoid CR! opposite the line L2 with a point between the switch I I6 and LSI.

The limit switches LSI and LS2 are arranged to be operated between their open and closed positions by means of a cam` arrangement illustrated in Figure 5. The cam for operating LS2 is in the foreground of the View and is identified by the numeral |23. The cam for operating the switch LSI is behind the cam |28 in the View and is identified by the numeral |32.

These cams are mounted on the crank shaft 22 or on an auxiliary shaft which is synchronised with the said crank shaft, so that the switches go through one cycle of open and closed position during one rotation of the crank shaft.

The cams and limit switches in Figure 5 are illustrated in the positions which they occupy at the time the crank shaft is halted with the ram of the press in its uppermost position. It will be noted that at the time limit switch LSI is closed While limit switch LS2 is open.

Operation In operation, assuming that power is supplied to the lines LI and L2 and the press is standing idle, with the ywheel being driven and with the ram in its uppermost position, the contactor `CB2 will be energized. This energization comes about by means of the-circuit that extends from switch H4, switch Ilt, switches |20, |22 and |24 and then to the operating solenoid of `CR2 to line L2.

It will be noted at this time that if either of the switches |22 or |24 is open, indicating that the valve member corresponding thereto is not completely in its left hand position, the operating solenoid of CR2 will not be energized.

Energization of solenoid CR2 establishes a holding circuit to the limit switch LSI through blade CR2A thereof and the switch IIIFS. Energization of CRZ also closes blade CR2B thereof and prepares an energizing circuit for CRI from line LI through switch I I4, switch I I6, blade CRZB to one of the contacts |26.

Thus, when switch |20 is pressed and the circuit completed between the contacts |26, contactor CRI is energized and closes blade CRIB and CRIA thereof.` The first mentioned of the blades completes a holding circuit for CRI through the limit switch LS2, switch IIE and Switch ||4 and line LI. The other of the blades 6. completes the circuit from line LI through switch I4 and the parallel connected Valve actuatin solenoids SI and S2 to line L2. Energization of SI and S2 will bringy about the simultaneous supplying of pressure to the operat-l ing chambers 92 of the valves 'I0 and I2 andcrank shaft and commences the said crank shaft to rotating. After somewhat less than 90 degrees of rotation of the crankshaft, the limit switchv LS2 is permitted to close by its cam and to complete the holding circuit for relay CRI. At this time the Iswitch |20 may be released and the press` (will continue to operate.

-After about 300 degrees of revolution of the' crank shaft the lobeV |32 on the cam |30 will engage and open the limit switch LSI This interrupts the holding circuit for relay CR2 and permits it to open. The opening of CR2 is ineffective at this time to effect contactor CRI because the latter is being held through the limit switch LS2.

Also the energizing circuit for the contactor CR2 is ineffective to energize it at this time be cause the switches |22 and |24 are being held in their open position.

After a few more degrees of rotation of the crank shaft the raised part ofthe cam |28 engages and opens limit switch LS2. This interrupts the holding circuit for the contactor CRI and permits this contactor to move to its open position, thereby interrupting the energizing circuit for the valve solenoids SI and S2.

At this time the valve members 34 and of the valves 'I0 and I2 should return to their left hand position, as illustrated in Figure 3, and exhaust the operating cylinder 48 of the friction clutch, thereby disengaging the clutch and permitting the spring means 52 to set the brake and halt the crank shaft.

It will be apparent that if either of the valve members moves into its left hand position, this function will be accomplished. However, if-

either of the valve members fails to complete this leftwardly movement, one of the switches |22 or |24 will remain open and prevent reenergization of the contactor CRZ.

Since CR2 must be energized in order to prepare an energizing circuit for CRI, it is apparent that unless both of the valve members S4 and B6 carry out their complete cycle of operations and in the predetermined correct manner, the4 Thus, in addition to greatly/'reducing the possibility that the press will repeat, by providingf multiple air supplying valves, this invention also greatly multiplies the safety factor by the addi-i It will be evident that the particular valve ar:

rangement illustrated is not the only one that can be employed in connection with this invention and still obtain the advantages of a very wide margin of safety. For example, the valves.

could be arranged in tandem rather than'paral-- lel and still'not be -possible to supply thepres,

aeeassi 7 sure :to the clutch operating cylinder if either of the valves failed to shift to its `=pressur`e supplying position.

.It will also be evident that the particular type of friction clutch land brake .illustrated lis only representative lof any :of several types of pneumatically -or .hydraulically operated devices that could be employed 'for #alternately braking 'the crank shaft Atothe press frame 'landdrivably connecting it with theillywheel.

.it will the understood that this invention lis susceptible to modification morder to :adopt it to different usages and conditions and, accordingly, it is desired to `comprehend such modications Within this invention as may :fall Within the scope'of 'the .appended claims.

l. In a press having a frame, shaft and a ywheeli; @a brake normally .holding said shaft stationary in said frame, .a clutch operable for clutching said 'shailt-to said -iiywheelg huid foperabl'e means responsive to pressure for making said brake ineective `and said clutch eilective; a pair of valves connected in parallel normally exhausting said fluid operable means and shiftable to supply pressure thereto; independent actuators for said valves; a single means for energizing said actuators; other means for de-ener- .said actuators; and means responsive to the failure of either .of said valves to return vto its -normal position to make said single means ineffective to energize said actuators.

2. In a press having a frame, a shaft and a flywheel; .a braise normally holding said shaft stationary `in said frame; a clutch oper ble for clutching said shaft to said flywheel; iiuid `cperable means responsive to pressure for making said brake ineiective and said clutch effective; a pair of valves connected with said fluid Operable means and each having a rst position wherein said fluid operable means is connected to exhaust and a second position into which both must be shifted vto supply pressure to said fluid operable means while simultaneously interrupting .the connection of the fluid operable means to exhaust; independent electrically operated actuators for said valves; .a single switch for energizing both said actuators; and other .switch means .operated by said valves and connected to make said single switch ineiective except when both valves are in their iirst position.

f3.. In a press having .awrama a shaft and a flywheel; a brake normally holding V.said shaft stationary in said frame; a clutch operable .for clutching said shaft to said `flywheel.;H .duid voperable means responsive to pressure for making said brake inedective and said clutch .eiective; a pair of valves connected with said fluid operable means and `each having a iirst position wherein said fluid operable .means is exhausted and a second position into which both must be shifted to supply pressure to said -uid operable means.; independent electrically operated actuators for said valves; a control circuit for said actuators including a relay energizable to energize said actuators; a first switch for energizing said relay 'and a holding circuit :controlled by said relay bypassing said first switch; and other switch means controlled by fsaid valves and .connected to make said iirst switch eiective only when both `said valves are Ain their .-tlrst position.

14. In a `press having 4a frame, a shaft and a flywheel; a brake normally holding .said 'shaft stationary in said iframe; a clutch operable 'for clutching said shaft to said flywheel; duid operable 'means responsive to pressure for making said brake ineftective and said Aclutch effective; a pair of 'valves connected with `said Iluid operable .means `and each having a first position wherein said iiuid operable means is exhausted and a second position into which both must be shifted to supply pressure Vto said .fluid Aoperable means; independent :electrically `operated actuatorsffor :said valves; a control circuit for said actuators including a relay energizable to energize said actuators.; a rst .switch 'for energizing said 'relay land a holding circuit controlled by said `relay bypassing said rst switch; other switch means controlled by said valves and connected to make said .nrst .switch effective only when `both said valves are in their iirst position; and means responsive to .a predetermined .rotar-y movement of said shaft Yfor -deenergizing .said relay.

5. .In 4a press having a .frame .a shaft, @and *a flywheel; a brake normally holding said frame; a yclutch operable for clutching vsaid shaft `to .said flywheel; lrluidoperable meansiresponsive to pressure for :making said .braise ineilective and said clutch effective; a pair .of valves connected with said iluid operable means and each having a rst position wherein said uid operable means 'is connected to exhaust Aand a second @position .into which both must be shifted to supply pressure to said fluid operable means while simultaneously interrupting the connectioniof the uid operable means to exhaust; independent electrically operated actuators for said valves; a single switch ior energizing both said actuators, a solenoid energizable vfor closing said single switch to energize said actuator, an energizing circuit for said .solenoid, a pair :of normally closed control switches in Vseries in `said circuit, `one of said control switches pertaining to each .of said valves, and each switch being arranged to be held open by its pertaining valve except when vthe said valve is its said irst position.

6. In a mechanical press having a clutch actuable to initiate a working stroke of the press.; a

iuid operable actuator for the clutch; means for preventing said press from making accidental strokes comprising a plurality of valves connected in circuit with said fluid operable actuator and normally positioned `so each provides an exhaust connection from said clutch, each Avalve being individually .shiftable for establishing afsupply of actuating iluid to said i'luid operable actuator. whereby all of said valves must lbe shifted to interrupt the exhaust connection from said clutch thereby `to make the said supply of actuating fluid eective for causing said iiuid operable actuator to actuate said clutch, electrical means energizable for so shifting said valves, and switch means controlled by said valves arranged so that all the valves must be in their -unshited position before said electrical means can -be made effective.

JOHN W. BITLER.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATE-S PATENTS Number Name Date 2,065,820 Mellon Dec. 29, 1936 2,095,09'll Glasner Oct. 5, 1937 2,198,767 'Glasner Apr. 30, A1940 2,225,856 Gunter Dec. 31, 1940 .2,285,711 artridge June `9, 1942 2,313,187 Williamson Mar. 9, 1943 12,321,171 Yanchenko June 8, 1943 '2,331,156 Alward Oct. y5, v191i?) 2,371,358 'Sekella i Mar. 13, 1945 

